11 Things that Are Absolutely Free at Disney World

Free at Disney? Yes, there are things that won’t cost you a penny at Disney resorts! Family vacations to Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort are not cheap. But don’t let that scare you away! There are ways to make your family trip more affordable. With a little bit of planning, there are ways to save money or get more for the money you’re already spending. I want you to be able to take that Disney vacation you have always wanted!

One Day Is OK!

One of the best and easiest ways to save money is not to spend it in the first place. A week at Disney is fantastic, but seven days isn’t required. Three days is fine, too. You can even do a ton in just one day! We have taken several trips to Disney World, where we spent one day at the hotel pool for every day in the theme park. Especially if you haven’t spent much time at a Disney park, even one day will be magical.

You Can Bring Food Into The Park.

Also, since food and drinks are some of the most expensive parts of the day, know that you can bring some outside food and drinks into the Park. This has always been important to us since a couple of kids in our family have food allergies. We pack a small, lunch box-sized cooler with things like Sunbutter sandwiches, fruit, cheese sticks and portable snacks like Go-Go Squeeze. Frozen water bottles are a wonderful way to keep things cold!

While you may not be able to get all these things free at Disney, you can certainly try. Just know it is possible! A great attitude, a nice smile, and NO entitlement can go a long way. Give it a try! You never get what you don’t ask for.

11 Things That Are FREE At Disney

1. Water

Florida is hot…all the time. So it is really important for you and your family to stay hydrated. Yes, you can buy water at Disney. You can also bring in bottled water. But you can get it from any kiosk that sells drinks for free, too. You may want to bring single-serving drink mix packets if the water doesn’t taste like it at home. The best place I found for cold water is at the Starbucks locations in the parks. The water is triple-filtered, and you can even fill your own bottle!

2. Balloons

Celebrating something special on your next vacation? Did you know that you can get balloons for free at Disney? Yes, you could pay $20 in the park for those amazing mylar ones or ask at your Disney resort if they have any balloons they can give you. If they have some, they will give them to you for free! They will not be the same ones you could get in the park, but your kids will be just as happy. If you call ahead, they may be able to have them for you when you check in!

3. Upgrades

The key to possibly getting an upgrade is not being afraid to ask. When you stay at a Disney resort, they want to make you as happy as possible. If they can give you an upgrade, they will. But you have to ask. When you check in, ask very sweetly if any upgrades are available. I asked on our last trip, and the woman working at reception checked but told me there was nothing available for my stay. However, she offered to give me a complimentary rollaway. That was a savings of $17/day that I wouldn’t have gotten if I didn’t ask for it. Another time, they added Club Room access for us! But just don’t be entitled. Nobody likes that.

4. Coloring pages

At the Baby Care Centers, hotels, restaurants, and even throughout the parks, you can get coloring pages to keep little ones busy. They are great for keeping kids occupied when waiting for meals or rides or when you need them to be patient. Why not send the colored pages to Grandma and Grandpa in lieu of a postcard?

5. Meals (if you spilled it)

We have had the unfortunate luck of spilling $50 of food on a tray…twice. It just made me sick to see all that food on the ground. The first time it happened, I was in tears. I didn’t want to pay for everything again, but I didn’t want to stand in that line again. However, I found out I didn’t have to. Disney cast members don’t want to see anyone cry! They will remake your order immediately at no charge. Just don’t take advantage of this, people.

6. Stickers

Every kid loves stickers. And Mickey Mouse ones have a way of making just about anyone smile. You can get stickers from just about any place at Disney. Every store, restaurant, hotel, and kiosk usually has a stash of stickers. Let your children ask for them and see how many you can stick on your stroller. Or bring them home to give to friends. Or let the kids stick them all over their bodies. Who cares? They’re free!

7. Broken toys or other items (if you bought them at the resort that day)

If you buy a lightsaber, princess doll, light-up Mouse Ears, or anything else at the Disney resort and it breaks during your stay, take it back! They will do their best to replace it for free. Remember, no tears at Disney!

8. Buttons

If you are celebrating anything on your Disney vacation, get a button to make it special. Is it your first time at Disney? Is it your birthday? Anniversary? They’ve got buttons for that! You can get them at your Disney hotel or the Guest Relations office in any park. And then be prepared for everyone to wish you a happy whatever all day!

9. Trading coins and tokens.

Kids love all those little things that parents don’t really think about. On our last trip, we received trading tokens from the bus operator and on the boat at Disney Springs. I was surprised at how excited my kids were to receive them. I was told you can get them on all the monorails, buses, and boats. You have to catch the operator at the right time! Maybe you can see how many you get during the trip!

10. Ice

Need some ice for the soft-sided cooler you can bring into the park? Or do you want ice to cool down the drinks you brought in your bag? You can get ice for free at Disney. Just ask anywhere they have ice. It’s hot in Florida, and having a nice cold drink can hit the spot. If you or anyone in your family starts overheating, ask for some ice immediately to cool down. They are happy to give it to you.

11. Band-aids and other first-aid items

Yes, health issues do come up at Disney. You can’t be prepared for everything from blisters, sunburn, cuts, and scrapes. That’s why there are First Aid stations. They want to help you! Go visit them. They are also a great place to cool down and get out of the crowds.

Have a magical trip!